EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About the Organization

Founded in 1999, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) is an AZA-accredited not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility located in West Yellowstone, Montana. GWDC provides lifelong care for non-releasable grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters, birds of prey, and other native species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Serving approximately 200,000 visitors annually, GWDC offers immersive exhibits and year-round educational programming that focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation, and human–wildlife coexistence. With an annual operating budget of $4–5 million, the organization is financially sound and well-managed, having recently invested in capital improvements for animal habitats, educational facilities, and visitor amenities.

GWDC is deeply committed to animal well-being, conservation education, community engagement, and long-term ecosystem stewardship.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the strategic leader of GWDC. The Executive Director advances the organization’s mission, ensures excellence in animal care and AZA accreditation, leads fundraising and financial stewardship, and oversees a staff of approximately 40 full-time and seasonal employees.

This role requires visionary, yet hands-on leadership suited to a small, high-profile nonprofit in a remote, tourism-based community.

Core Responsibilities

• Implementation of the strategic plan aligned with the mission and AZA standards.
• Ensure exceptional animal care, enrichment, habitat management, and conservation programming.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors and provide timely strategic, operational, and financial reporting.
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, financial controls, audits, and long-term planning.
• Lead fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and campaigns.
• Provide executive oversight of all departments, including animal care, education, facilities, guest services, retail, marketing, and finance.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate senior staff; foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and accountability.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and ambassador, strengthening partnerships across the conservation and tourism sectors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, zoological, conservation, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success working with a Board of Directors.
• Proven fundraising and revenue diversification experience.
• Strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Experience leading multi-department teams and developing senior staff.
• Knowledge of captive wildlife management and AZA standards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work onsite with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive senior leadership in an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or wildlife organization (or comparable executive experience).
• Direct experience with large carnivores and aquatic systems in a zoological setting.
• Experience maintaining or advancing AZA accreditation.

Living and Working in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone offers unparalleled access to wildlife and public lands within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Candidates should understand the realities of living in a remote mountain community, including seasonal tourism fluctuations, limited housing availability, higher living costs, and long winters.

GWDC provides onboarding support, including housing search assistance and community integration resources.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional development support
• Relocation assistance may be available

 Application Process

For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed beginning on this date and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references in a single PDF file to: [email protected] 

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LEAD KEEPER

Duties

The Lead Keeper will report directly to the Animal Curator and will maintain strong, positive communication with Area Keepers and other Animal Department staff as appropriate. A successful candidate has a collaborative, team-oriented approach to problem solving, exercises good judgment, efficiently manages time, foresees and applies safety precautions, possesses excellent written and oral communication skills, is able to work both independently and in a team environment and maintains confidentiality and Center safety protocols. Additionally, this position should prioritize guest experience as it pertains to the presentation of the animal collection. This position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Animal Department along with filling in where needed.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Monitor Animal Health and communicate concerns effectively with both the Animal Curator and Veterinarian.

Anticipate Animal Challenges and adjust accordingly based on the season and animal behavior.

Supervise/Train/Enforce Keeper Policies as it pertains to organizing daily tasks and implementing procedures as outlined by the Animal Curator, Employee Handbook, and other documentation.

Supervise/Train/Enforce Safety Policies to maintain and enforce all aspects of safety as it relates to the Center’s Emergency Protocols.

Maintain Habitats and report maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate supervisor. Seasonal maintenance of habitats can vary and can include, but is not limited to: snow blowing/removal, cleaning/raking of habitats, weed whacking, etc.

Participate in Management Meetings once a week plus conducting frequent meetings with the Animal Curator and Animal Department staff.

Supervise Record Keeping and is familiar with ZIMS with the ability to input data. This position should ensure reports are accurate, up-to-date, and meet all requirements as required by USDA and AZA.

Manage Area Supply Inventory of consumables or other tools with some expectations of coordinating to gather needed items. The ability to work within a budget should be considered when managing inventory.

Qualification

Requires five (5) years of paid experience working with zoo/exotic animals (Bears, Wolves, North American River Otters, and Raptors preferred) at an AZA Accredited or related facility. A degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field preferred. Other combinations of education, training, and/or experience that provide an equivalent background may also be considered. Additional credit will be given for further education in zoology, animal care or closely related field and/or experience.

Familiarity with ZIMS entry is preferred along with a solid understanding of both AZA and USDA Standards.

This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Applicant must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment.

A valid Driver’s License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available for work on evenings, weekends, holidays and emergencies and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Compensation

Current annual starting salary $45,000 (36-hour workweek).  Benefit package includes extensive paid time off, health, vision and dental insurance, matching retirement plan.

Cover letter and resume should be directed to: [email protected]

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the Human Rights Act of Montana.

RETAIL AND ADMISSIONS STAFF

Seasonal full-time 40 hours a week / Seasonal part-time 20 hours a week

Duration for position:  April - October / May - September

Primary Responsibilities:

Sell merchandise and admission tickets, welcome visitors and respond to their needs, keep gift shop/admission working area clean and organized, interact and coordinate with co-workers.

Qualifications:

Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays; experienced in customer service with strong communication skills, a fast learner, computer savvy and able to multi-task. Familiar with cash register and US currency. 

To Apply:

Email your resume to [email protected] or drop it off at the GWDC Gift Shop